On its 100th birthday, NSK marks 10 years in Vietnam

In 1916, NSK became the first company in Japan to develop and manufacture bearings. 100 years later, it continues to innovate, using revolutionary technology for its products and services. For a century now, NSK has actively contributed to industrial development and environmental preservation worldwide.

Today, NSK is an established presence in 30 countries, a trusted brand providing customers the highest quality and performance products across the world.

NSK Vietnam was established in 2006, with its head office and a warehouse in Hanoi, and a representative office in Ho Chi Minh City. This year, NSK celebrates its 100th anniversary as well as its 10th year in Vietnam.

NSK was an important participant at the recent METALEX Vietnam 2016, the 10th edition of the event.

On the sidelines of the exhibition, Hiroyuki Tanabe, General Director, NSK Vietnam Co., Ltd., spoke  about Vietnam’s market potential and his company’s growth plans in the country.

How would you look back at NSK’s 10 years in Vietnam?

NSK Vietnam is a sales company. It has two core business segments―the Industrial Machinery Business (industrial machinery bearings, precision machinery and parts) and the Automotive Products Business (automotive bearings, automotive components). In Vietnam, we distribute bearings nationwide to customers in the cement, steel, motorcycle, automotive and oil & gas industries. Our business side is balanced - 50% for industrial distribution and 50% for the motorcycle market. As a globally trusted brand, we provide our products and services to many well-known customers including FDI firms and Vietnamese companies like Toshiba, Honda, Yamaha, Posco and so on.

NSK’s business in Vietnam has seen high growth in spite of the economic slowdown.  We are expanding in Vietnam, seeing a lot of opportunities ahead.

What is it about NSK Vietnam that wins the customer’s trust?

We have the first and only local warehouse among bearings suppliers, and along with our country-wide network of distributors, we ensure shorter delivery times to customers.  NSK’ strategic vision is to have long-term customers satisfied with our products and services.

In addition, NSK Vietnam offers a one-stop after sales service support system that provides: regular technical training to end-user personnel, onsite inspection service and handling training & advice, supervision for mounting and dismounting of critical bearings as well as technical engineers on standby for emergencies.

How do you assess NSK’s development opportunities in Vietnam in the years to come as the country joins AEC and TPP agreements?

AEC and TPP will open new opportunities and create more advantages for us. We assume that there will be an acceleration of localization in automotive manufacture and auto parts makers. And then, our opportunities will increase.  To grasp the opportunities of integration, we are carrying out our own preparations to offering a wide range of products to our customers. Although we acknowledge that the competition will be harder, we are still optimistic. In order to further develop, we have a specific marketing plan that will start with delivering to our customers a Vietnamese catalogue highlighting NSK products & services. We will consider opening a new warehouse in HCMC if the market here gets bigger.

Can you tell us some of the highlights of NSK’s participation at METALEX Vietnam 2016?

NSK Vietnam has participated in Metalex Vietnam several times. Participating in this exhibition is also one of the important activities we undertake to promote business in Vietnam. Through this exhibition, we can meet many buyers and broaden our customer network. This year, at the show, we presented special bearings with bigger sizes and longer lifespans for use in the industrial sector and the motor industry. Visitors were able to learn more about our diverse products and excellent services.

My Phung / ven